February 14th is marked in most of our calendars as a particular day. A day to celebrate love in all its forms and to let that special someone know how you feel about them. Did you know that February is also known as American Heart Month? This year, we’re focusing on the holistic and the physical. So while planning to surprise your Valentine, why not take a moment to take care of your own heart – or perhaps the heart of a senior loved one?
What is the History of American Heart Month?
The human heart pumps blood throughout our body, supplying oxygen and nutrients and removing toxins and waste. Weighing between 8 and 12 ounces, the heart is a mighty organ divided into four chambers that work together to pump blood in and out. The heart gets oxygenated blood from the lungs and pumps it throughout the rest of the body. It does this by contracting at a rhythmic pace, about 60-80 times per minute, thanks to electrical cells called “pacemakers.” When the heart ceases to perform its regular function, a medical device called a pacemaker can be implanted to assist the heart.
Heart disease occurs when the arteries leading to the heart become clogged. Although heart disease has been around for thousands of years, many aspects of modern life exacerbate risk factors and make people more prone to heart disease and heart failure. Today, one in four deaths in the U.S. is attributable to heart disease. Heart disease can affect everyone, but taking stock of your prior health risks, activities and diet can help you reduce your risk.
Did you know that according to the CDC, about 697,000 people die of heart disease in the United States annually–1 in every five deaths? Coronary heart disease (CHD) is the most common type of heart disease, killing approximately 382,820 people annually. In addition, every year, about 805,000 Americans have a heart attack.
Although we’ve learned a lot about how the heart works, there are still many unanswered questions about heart health and the cardiovascular system. As far as we know, the best way to protect your heart is to stay active, eat a healthy and balanced diet, and reduce your daily stress. To celebrate American Heart Month, learn about heart health risks, find your favorite heart-healthy activities, and cook healthy meals with your family.
How Can I Observe American Heart Month?
Take up a heart-healthy habit.
Staying active, eating healthy, and watching weight is critical to maintaining a healthy cardiovascular system. So pick a new heart-healthy habit, like exercising or substituting sodas with water, and stick to it for a whole month.
Educate yourself
Learn about the risk factors for heart disease, how to prevent them, and the lifestyle choices that can help you stay healthy.
Get your cholesterol tested
If you’re worried you or a senior loved one might be at risk for heart disease, ask your doctor to perform a simple cholesterol test to let you know if you’re at risk and should make adjustments to your diet.
5 Interesting Facts About Heart Health
Heart attacks can be silent.
One in five heart attacks occurs without the person knowing they had one.
Heart attacks affect women differently.
Women may experience different symptoms than men. These include pain in the back, arm, neck, or shoulder; nausea; fatigue; shortness of breath; and vomiting.
Young women are at higher risk than men.
Women under 50 are twice as likely to die of a heart attack as men in the same age group.
Another reason to hate Mondays
Heart attacks are more likely to occur on Monday mornings than on other days. Scientists attribute this to the disruption in our circadian rhythm over the weekend, leading to increased blood pressure and other changes to the nervous system.
Diet soda raises heart attack risk.
If you drink one or more diet sodas a day, your chances of having a heart attack are 43% higher than those who drink regular soda or none.
Why Is American Heart Month Important?
It reminds us to take care of our hearts.
American Heart Month motivates us to examine our health habits and risks and take steps to improve our heart health.
It promotes education about heart health.
Knowing the risk factors for heart disease and how to reduce them can help people lead healthier lives and diminish their risk for heart attacks or other cardiovascular diseases.
It raises awareness of heart disease.
As the number one killer of Americans, heart disease is a slow-moving epidemic that affects almost everyone.
